Chickenpox is caused due to a?

Appeared in: NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2019

Explanation

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease.
It is caused by the primary infection with the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), which is also called Human (alpha) herpes virus 3.
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or by direct contact with the fluid from the blisters.

Option B: Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that cause a different set of diseases and are treated with antibiotics, which are ineffective against viruses like chickenpox.
Option C: Fungi are organisms like yeasts and molds. They cause skin and systemic infections that are treated with antifungal medications, not viral illnesses.
Option D: Protozoa are single-celled parasites. They cause diseases often transmitted by vectors (like mosquitoes) or contaminated water, which have a different pathophysiology than viral exanthems.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative agent of Chickenpox (Varicella) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must immediately implement airborne and contact precautions for suspected chickenpox cases to prevent nosocomial spread, as the virus is highly contagious even before the rash is prominent.
Patient education is crucial, focusing on managing itching (to prevent secondary bacterial infection from scratching), monitoring for complications like pneumonia or encephalitis, and keeping the child home until all lesions have crusted over.
A key nursing role is advocating for and administering the varicella vaccine as part of routine childhood immunization, which is the most effective way to prevent the disease.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for the causative agent of a specific disease: 'Chickenpox'.
Next, recall the basic classification of infectious diseases and their causative microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa).
Access your knowledge base about common childhood illnesses. Chickenpox is a well-known viral infection.
Evaluate the given options. 'Virus' directly aligns with the knowledge that chickenpox is caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus.
Eliminate the other options by associating them with different types of diseases (e.g., Bacteria -> Strep throat; Fungus -> Ringworm; Protozoa -> Malaria) to confirm the correct choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 146-148

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